FAQ about the Oktoberfest

When is Oktoberfest?

2018: from 22 September to 7 October.2019: from 21 September to 6 October.2020: from 19 September to 4 October.

Traditionally the Oktoberfest always ends on the first Sunday of October. Consequently, it opens two Saturdays prior to this. If the anniversary of the Reunification of Germany, (3 October) falls on a Monday, the Oktoberfest lasts for 17 days instead of 16, taking advantage of the festive holiday Monday to extend the festival.

How much does it cost to get into the Oktoberfest?

Entrance to the Oktoberfest and the Theresienwiese halls is completely free; you only pay for what you consume.

How much is a beer?

A litre of beer (small or medium beers are not available) is around 9.50 Euro. Each hall has its own price, with differences of a few cents between the various stands.

What time do the stands open?

The halls open at 09.00 and beer is served immediately, with the exception of the opening day, when opening time is at 12.00. in fact, after the “O’Zapft is” opening ceremony, it is the Mayor that has the honour of opening the first keg.

When do they close?

At 23.00, but beer is only served until 22.30.

It is possible to drink outside the halls?

Each hall has its own Beer Garden where you can drink the same beer that is served inside, it is also a little easier to find seating here…weather permitting.

How long can you remain inside the halls?

As long as you like…as long as you have a seat in order to drink.

It is possible to bring a backpack with you?

No bags of any kind are permitted, with the exception of hip bags and women’s handbags. There are lockers available at the North exit to leave personal items.

Is it possible to eat at the Oktoberfest?

The Oktoberfest halls have well equipped kitchens where you can taste all the Bavarian specialities. Additionally, there are other places to eat outside the halls, where in addition to the usual sandwiches, iced fruits, sweets, wurstel and krapfen are also available…The traditional dishes of the Oktoberfest »

Can everybody enter?

Entrance is open to all, subject to the availability of seating … in fact ONLY THOSE WHO ARE SEATED CAN DRINK! The turnout of people, especially at the weekends, is very high, and consequently it is not easy to get in. If you are with a group you go in hoping to see a completely empty table at the back… wake up … it was only a dream. Arriving early at the Oktoberfest is absolutely essential!

Are pets admitted?

Pets are not permitted into the halls.

Is smoking permitted in the halls?

Smoking is prohibited inside the Oktoberfest, but there are dedicated smoking areas available.

Where does the Oktoberfest take place?

The Oktoberfest takes place at the Theresienwiese, a huge green area just a short distance from the city centre.Map of the Oktoberfest »

How do you get to the Oktoberfest?

The Wiesn is very well served by the Munich public transport system, the S-bahn and the U-bahn. In the dedicated section, discover how to get around Munich, whether coming by plane, train, coach or by camper.How to get to Oktoberfest »

On what days should you go to the Oktoberfest?

The days with the largest turnout are definitely the weekends and Friday evening. Your choice must obviously take into account the purpose for which you want to visit the Oktoberfest; if the crowd is more than you were looking for, and then you shouldn’t choose the weekends. If however you prefer a little more tranquillity, try a beer in the Wiesn marquees on weekdays. Also take into account the Oktoberfest program, whether you prefer the opening day, or the closing day, or if you are taking your family, and if you want to know when the “family days” are.The Oktoberfest program »

What beers are available at the Oktoberfest

Augustiner-Bräu, Hacker-Pschorr-Bräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner-Bräu, Spatenbräu, Staatliches Hofbräu-München are the 6 legendary breweries of the Oktoberfest. All the beer is exclusively from Munich with an alcoholic content of around 6°.

Are beers for celiacs served at the Oktoberfest?

No.

Are guided tours of Munich organised during the Oktoberfest?

Guided tours of the city of Munich and the Oktoberfest are organised every Saturday afternoon, costing 15 €, lasting about 3 hours, with trips by bus and on foot. Select your language and your preferred Saturday.Book your tour of Munich »